French President Emmanuel Macron has clarified that while France is set to join other nations in recognising a Palestinian state, it will not open an embassy until Hamas releases the hostages it continues to hold in Gaza.
In an interview with CBS News aired Sunday, Macron said, “It will be, for us, a requirement very clearly before opening, for instance, an embassy in Palestine.” His remarks came as Britain, Australia, and Canada announced coordinated recognition of a Palestinian state, a major shift in long-standing Western policy.
The move provoked anger from Israel, which faces mounting international criticism over its war in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis there. Portugal is also expected to extend recognition, while France has signalled it will do so alongside other nations at the United Nations on Monday.
Macron also rejected any proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza during rebuilding efforts, calling such an idea “just a craziness.” He insisted that neither France nor the United States could be seen as tolerating or enabling forced displacement.
What you should know
France’s recognition of Palestine reflects growing international pressure on Israel, but Macron has made hostage release a firm condition for deeper diplomatic steps.
His stance highlights both humanitarian concerns and geopolitical balancing, as Paris supports Palestinian sovereignty while refusing to legitimise Hamas’s hostage-taking.
